~9–10 mins read
50 Powerful Phrasal Verbs with ‘A’ (Must-Know for Students)
Learning phrasal verbs is one of the fastest ways to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and writing style for exams such as the 11+ (eleven plus) and SATs in the UK.
Phrasal verbs = verb + preposition/adverb, but the meaning often changes completely. Example: “act up” ≠ act + up literally, but means “to misbehave.”
This list of 50 phrasal verbs beginning with ‘A’ gives you the meaning, usage focus, and exam value. Perfect for 11+ comprehension, VR practice, creative writing, and SATs grammar mastery.
📚 Full List of 50 Phrasal Verbs with ‘A’
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Act on | Take action based on advice or information |
| Act out | Perform, often in a dramatic way |
| Act up | Behave badly or cause trouble |
| Add in | Include as part of something |
| Add on | Include as an extra |
| Add up | Make sense logically |
| Add up to | Equal a total of |
| Agree on | Reach the same opinion |
| Agree to | Accept a proposal |
| Agree with | Share the same view |
| Aim at | Direct towards a target |
| Allow for | Consider when planning |
| Answer back | Reply rudely |
| Answer for | Take responsibility for |
| Answer to | Be accountable to |
| Ask after | Enquire about someone’s health |
| Ask around | Ask many people for information |
| Ask for | Request |
| Ask in | Invite someone indoors |
| Ask out | Invite on a date |
| Associate with | Connect with someone/something |
| Attend to | Deal with a task or person |
| Argue out | Discuss until a decision is reached |
| Argue over | Dispute about something |
| Appeal to | Attract or request |
| Apply for | Make an official request |
| Apply to | Concern or relate to |
| Approach to | Move closer to something |
| Arrive at | Reach a conclusion or place |
| Arise from | Result from |
| Allow into | Permit entry |
| Agree upon | Accept jointly |
| Ask over | Invite to one’s house |
| Ask round | Invite casually |
| Ask about | Enquire regarding |
| Ask back | Invite to return |
| Answer back at | Retort against |
| Add together | Combine numbers |
| Act against | Oppose or resist |
| Act for | Represent someone |
| Account for | Explain or justify |
| Aim for | Try to achieve |
| Aim towards | Direct effort to |
| Allow out | Let someone leave |
| Allow back | Permit re-entry |
| Appeal against | Challenge formally |
| Argue against | Oppose with reasons |
| Argue for | Support with reasons |
| Ask back into | Invite someone in again |
Why Learn These Phrasal Verbs?
- Boost Exam Writing – Examiners reward varied, natural vocabulary.
- Improve Comprehension – 11+ and SATs passages regularly include phrasal verbs.
- Sound Natural – Avoid “robotic English” by using phrasal verbs in speech and writing.
💡 Student Tip: Write 5 short sentences each day using these phrasal verbs. Example: “He accounted for his lateness by showing the bus timetable.”
Parent Guidance: How to Support
- Use flashcards to practise meanings and contexts.
- Build weekly vocabulary goals (10–12 phrasal verbs per week).
- Encourage usage in creative writing and comprehension answers.
- Correct gently — focus on positive reinforcement when used correctly.
✨ GLECTA Advantage
At GLECTA Tutoring, we go beyond just vocabulary lists:
- Integrated mocks – phrasal verbs appear in comprehension + VR.
- Feedback reports – spotting weak vocabulary usage.
- Exam-day coaching – using phrasal verbs naturally in writing tasks.
- Parent resources – structured revision lists + sentence drills.
❓ FAQs
Why are phrasal verbs important for 11+?
They appear in comprehension texts and creative writing. Knowing them improves vocabulary range and exam accuracy.
How many phrasal verbs should my child know?
Ideally 200–300 common ones across A–Z. This list covers the essential ‘A’ group.
What’s the best way to practise phrasal verbs?
Use them in sentences daily, practise in flashcards, and revise through comprehension papers.
Do phrasal verbs come up in VR/NVR?
Yes, particularly in synonym/antonym VR questions and in comprehension-linked reasoning tasks.
What makes GLECTA’s approach unique?
We combine vocabulary mastery with mock exam practice so students apply words in real timed conditions, not just rote learning.
🔗 Quick Links (Parents)
- 📘 Our Courses
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